Classy Rosellas jump Possums

The battle for top spot on the ladder took another turn in last week’s round-nine clash, when Rosellas scored a miraculous come-from-behind 3-2 victory over Possums to move into the lead.

After losing the first two singles clashes and then the opening set of the doubles, it looked all over for the hard-hitting Rosellas outfit.

Although under extreme pressure, Rosellas’ Adrian Squires and Michelle Feldtmann fought back to win the doubles 17-21, 21-17, 21-16 to stay in the match.

The final two singles match ups were unbelievably tense, with Michelle Feldtmann facing up to the in-form Cooper Irwin first — it looked a foregone conclusion.

She surprised everyone by giving a magnificent performance to clinch the match 19-21, 22-20, 21-14 in an heroic effort, levelling the score at 2-2.

Adrian Squires was then pitted against Possums’ outstanding player Stephen Lane, in what promised to be the match of the round.

A focused Squires produced all of his skills to win the first game in a fine performance.

The second game was a real battle, with both players trying to find a weakness.

But it was Lane who survived a Squires attack, evening the score at one game all.

The deciding game started off fairly evenly, with Squires using his strength to eventually power away, finally prevailing for a splendid 21-15, 22-24, 21-10 victory in the best singles battle seen for some time.

Lane maintained his initiative throughout the match, playing some magnificent rallies before seemingly tiring a little towards the end of the final set.

A determined Taipans brought Plovers back to earth, playing strongly to post an impressive 3-2 victory in a high-standard affair.

Col Exton and Matt Gill put in an outstanding performance to win a singles each before wrapping up the match with a 21-17, 17-21, 21-14 doubles victory in a hard-fought clash.

Mick Kelly was the standout, winning both singles in straight sets.

Meanwhile, Owls made a bold showing to score a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Echidnas.

John Bajada was in fine touch, winning both singles in a strong performance.

He had good support from Dean Bajada who combined superbly for a hard-fought three-set doubles victory.

Wallabies had a comfortable 4-1 victory over Kookaburras with Ashley Duns and Rob Erskine giving a great exhibition to win both singles matches each.

Kookaburras’ Brian Harrington and John Holschier could only salvage the doubles in a tough three setter.

B-grade

A magnificent performance from Ray Grant took Wombats to an exciting 3-2 victory over Eagles. He showed off his skills to account for both singles in style.

He had good support from Peter Williams, who was in great form to win the deciding singles.

Kaleb Lissenden was at his best to lead Frogs to a hard-fought 3-2 victory over ladder-leader Numbats.

He played brilliantly to win both singles in his best-ever performance.

He had strong support from Brian Perry, who won the deciding singles in a close match.

A fired-up Mozzies unit showed no mercy to a struggling Redbacks, coming away with an easy 5-0 victory.

Chris Lee and Coby Linke were too talented, winning all their matches in a stylish display.

In another runaway result, Gliders were at their best in defeating Bullants 5-0.

Graeme Sharp and John Bradshaw won all of their matches comfortably.

C-grade

Crickets scored a gallant 3-2 victory over Doves in a close encounter.

Jackson Squires starred, winning both singles in a top performance.

He then teamed with Ann Degan to win the doubles in straight sets.

In another close contest, Falcons had to fight hard to hold out a determined Hawks in a high-standard affair.

Kath Gibbs and Paul Watson combined well to win a singles each before wrapping up the match with a straight-sets doubles victory.

Kerry Yang was the star of the match, winning both singles in style.

Top-team Magpies showed plenty of fight to hold off a challenging Koalas outfit.

They played strongly to record a 5-0 victory with Helen Sharp and Andrea Cathcart winning all their matches in a fine display.